Transcript

Protest against 'women drivers'
Catalogue reference: HO 45/11164

All communications to be addressed
to the Union and not to individuals

TELEPHONE: GERRARD 7189.

(stamp) 275410
(handwritten) /26

London and Provincial Union of Licensed Vehicle
Workers.

Registered under the Trades Union Acts (No. 945).

Affiliated to the Parliamentary Committee of the Trades
Union Congress, The Labour Party, The General Federation of Trade
Unions, London Trades Council, and Local Trades and Labour Councils.

Offices of the Executive Committee -

39, GERRARD STREET,

SHAFTESBURY AVENUE, W.

A. SMITH, PRESIDENT
H.A. BYWATER, GENERAL SECRETARY.

BANKERS: LONDON CITY & MIDLAND
TRUSTEES: J. HARVEY & G. HUTTON

( stamp)
HOME OFFICE
14 JAN 1917
RECEIVED

London, 13th February 1917. 191

The Home Secretary,

Home
Office,

Whitehall.

re Women Drivers.

Sir,

Having
reported the result of our interview this morning to my Executive
Council I am instructed by them to request you to (underlined by
hand) receive a deputation at your very earliest convenience,
the number of which will be six.

My Executive
Council view with alarm the action taken by the Home Office on this
matter, and in face of Resolutions that have been passed at previous
delegate meetings registering the hostility of the members to such
an innovation they feel that serious consequences will ensue.

I would
point out to you that already a very serious dispute has taken place
at Croydon a few months back when two women were being taught to drive
tramcars resulting in a cessation from work for many weeks, also upon
women being appointed as mail drivers the men ceased work immediately,
and as a result the women have since been withdrawn.

When
one takes into consideration the huge number of accidents to persons
and property, owing to the abnormal conditions prevailing as a result
of the lighting order and War conditions, and this at a time when
vehicles are being driven by men who are thoroughly experienced we
feel that the menace to the public will be very largely augmented
by the introduction of female licensed drivers.

I need
hardly point out to you that we are very desirous of avoiding anything
in the nature of a labour dispute and trust you will see the necessity
of meeting an early deputation to hear our case.